Clare Mann
BSc, MSc, MA, PD Diploma Counselling,
Registered Psychologist. Chartered Psychologist
Clare Mann is an Existential Psychotherapist in Sydney, registered psychologist and author, Over the past 15 years, Clare has worked as an occupational psychologist, university academic and leadership consultant. During this time, she was always interested in personal change and met clients and colleagues for whom freedom was just a word. She found people who wanted to change their lives and workplaces but who kept continuing patterns that were either self-destructive or limiting. Disillusioned with socially defined expectations and goals, those people repeatedly asked “Why aren’t I happy? I have achieved what I set out to achieve. I have the career, the car, the salary but my life just isn’t satisfying and I don’t seem to have any real purpose’’.
Through her work as an organisational psychologist and coach, she met many people for whom freedom was just a word. Her work took her to over fifteen different countries, and she experienced first hand the exhaustion that is part of the corporate career. She realised that instead of exercising her choices, she had ironically relinquished her own freedom and was driven by others’ demands (and expectations of what success means) rather than her own. Burnt-out and disillusioned, she took time out to re-evaluate her life and make some big changes.
She met many people who asked ‘’I have achieved so much and yet don’t feel satisfied. Surely there is more?’ She began to seek answers to those questions so commonly asked and in the process, trained as an existential psychotherapist. She now integrates psychology, existential psychotherapy and personal leadership to help people create rich and meaningful lives. Clare, believes everyone is the best judge of what is right for them. However, most of us live our lives according to other people’s expectations, believing it will bring us happiness. For many it might. For most of us, being influenced by the rules, expectations and pressures of others who have chosen a similar path before, only brings more unhappiness. We choose within the narrow dictates of myths – unquestioned assumptions that arise out of our cultural and social context. We never really get in touch with our real freedom – the freedom to choose the life we want to live. It is only by examining the role that Myths play in our life, that we can re-evaluate our choices to date and choose more meaningfully who we want to be NOW.
Working closely within a counselling relationship, she helps them examine problems within the wider context of finding purpose and meaning. She has the extraordinary ability to work sensitively with individuals experiencing anxiety, behavioural disorder, depression and relationship difficulties, believing that meanings behind symptoms are existential in nature. Once the real reasons behind symptoms are identified, individuals become empowered to embrace choices they often believe are unavailable.
Clare offers existential psychotherapy to those individuals who want to examine their live choices and create a life that has purpose and vitality. She is skilled in dispelling the myths that limit people in their lives and work so they can create and satisfying lives which align with their values and purpose. She runs a private practice in Sydney, Australia where she sees clients face to face. She is also able to work with clients on the phone or over the internet to accommodate respective travel schedules but prefers for the majority of sessions to be face.
“When I moved from New Zealand to Australia to take up a job promotion, I knew I would miss the support network I valued and relied on. I sought out a mentor and found Clare who supported me in growing my professional career by encouraging me to find ways to work effectively with my new colleagues and managers. Naturally with Clare’s work life integration focus, this support grew to involve my own personal life and through working one on one with her, I now understand myself better and am a stronger and much happier person four years on. When in doubt she is only an email or phone call away, and I never tire of re-reading Lifemyths to challenge myself to continue to grow.”Barbara Comesky
National Sales Manager, Pharmaceuticals, Australia
“I initially met Clare through counselling and we now work together through regular personal coaching sessions. Clare continues to be an inspiration to me; encouraging and motivating me to explore ways of improving my personal relationships as well as developing professionally through her unique methods of challenging what is considered ‘the norm’. I look forward to continuing this positive and rewarding work with Clare well into the future.”
Karen Burman
Commercial Manager, Ichiban UK
Her publications include:
- Strategic Human Resource Development (2005) UK: Butterworth Heinemann. Text that is essential reading for chartered training of HR professionals in the UK.
- The Myths of Life and the Choices We Have (2005) MANN, C.E. Australia: Koromiko Publishing.
- Awakening the Workplace: Achieving Connection, Achievement and Success at Work (2006) Contributing author to Canadian best seller:
- Seven Ways to Work Effectively with your Clients (2007) MANN, C.E. Australia: Koromiko Publishing – 70 min CD (talking book)
- Create a Successful and Sustainable Practice (2008) Joint Author, Australia: Koromiko Publishing. Boxed set
inc book/practical guide, 6 x 60 mins CDs. - What is Existentialism? (2006) E. Book.MANN, C.E.
- Would I Follow Me? Enacting Global Change through Collaboration. (2009) Managing Editor and Contributing Author: Australia:
Koromiko Publishing. (in publication) - Discovering your Path – 3 part online e-program.(2008) MANN, C.E.
- Stunning on the Outside: Dying on the Inside. (2008) Practical Guide and 5 x 70 mins CDs.MANN, C.E. & DRIESBACH, S.M.
